A student code of conduct violation can have serious consequences later on in life. It can affect your future education and make it challenging to find a job and begin a career. If your college or university has notified you of a potential code of conduct violation, it is essential to consult with an experienced Santa Ana student defense lawyer as soon as possible. Our criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Scott D. Henry have helped our clients resolve campus violations for over 40 years. We know precisely how to defend you against an allegation of student misconduct to have it dismissed or resolved favorably.
What are College and University Codes of Conduct?
Private schools, colleges, and universities have codes of conduct that all students and staff must abide by on and off-campus. If your school believes you have violated the code of conduct, you may receive a phone call, email, or letter notifying you of the potential violation. At this point, you may be required to attend a hearing to determine if a violation occurred and be advised of the consequences if found guilty.
Consequences of a Code of Conduct Violation
Many students and parents mistakenly believe a student code of conduct violation is a minor issue. They think it will be nothing more than a warning, and that no real consequences will come of it. Unfortunately, this is typically not the case. Violations can result in harsh penalties such as:
- Fines and restitution
- Loss of student housing
- Loss of scholarships, grants, and financial aid
- Removal from sports teams and school organizations
- Registration holds
- Suspension
- Expulsion
Depending on the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident, criminal charges may also be brought against you, which could result in jail or prison time, hefty fees, probation, community service, and a permanent criminal record. A Santa Ana attorney could help a student build a defense that minimizes any potential penalties they may be facing.
Student Code of Conduct Violation Hearings
When school officials learn of a possible violation of the conduct code, a violation hearing will be scheduled. During this hearing, school officials go over the alleged offense and present supporting evidence. A student will then be able to enter a plea of responsible or not responsible. If the student states they are responsible for the offense, the Student Code of Conduct board determines the appropriate penalties. If the student pleads not responsible, a second hearing is scheduled. The burden is then on the school to prove the student is responsible for the violation using the “preponderance of evidence” standard. After the evidence is heard, the board takes a vote to determine the student’s responsibility.
The majority of schools do not allow a Santa Ana defense attorney to attend these student violation hearings. However, legal counsel could still provide valuable guidance and strategy in defending you against the allegations. Our attorneys could explain the alleged violation, advise you and your family of your rights and options, thoroughly investigate the alleged violation and obtain evidence supporting your position, prepare you for any questions you may be asked at the violation hearing, assist in the preparation of your hearing statement, and prepare any witnesses for testimony.
Speak with an Experienced Santa Ana Student Defense Attorney
If you have been notified of a student code of conduct violation, it is essential to be proactive. Contact our experienced Santa Ana student defense lawyers immediately for a free consultation. Our legal team at the Law Offices of Scott D. Henry has the knowledge and dedication necessary to properly guide you through this process. We have a thorough understanding of how student code of conduct violations are handled and could build a solid defense so you can avoid severe punishment.